The Police have arrested four men, aged between 15 and 36, for their suspected involvement in loansharking activities.
In the first case, on 25 November 2018, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment where red paint was splashed and loanshark-related graffiti were found scribbled on the wall at of Blk 780. Through investigation and with the aid of images from Police cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division and Ang Mo Kio Police Division established the identity of the two 15-year-old teenagers and arrested them on 26 November 2018. Another 22-year-old man was subsequently arrested on 29 November 2018. Preliminary investigations revealed that the two teenagers were recruited by the man to carry out loanshark harassment. They are also believed to be involved in other similar cases in Punggol and Sengkang housing estates. Three handphones were seized as case exhibits.
In the second case, on 12 November 2018, the Police received a report that the gate of a residential unit at Blk 32 Chai Chee Ave had been secured with a bicycle lock and a debtor note was placed at the gate. Through follow up investigations, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identity of the man and arrested him on 29 November 2018. A handphone and a debtor’s note were seized as case exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that the 36-year-old man is believed to be involved in other similar cases of loanshark harassment at Punggol, Hougang, Circuit Road, Jurong West and Jalan Bahagia housing estates.
Investigations against the two teenagers are ongoing. The 22-year-old man and the 36-year-old man will be charged in court on 1 December 2018 and 3 December 2018 respectively under the Moneylenders Act 2010 (Revised Edition). First time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 with mandatory imprisonment of up to 5 years, and mandatory caning of up to 6 strokes.
The Police would like to advise members of the public to steer clear from all forms of loansharking-related activities, and not be tempted by the offer of quick and easy money. Parents should be mindful of their children’s activities and educate them not to fall prey to these unscrupulous criminals. The punishments for loansharking-related offences are severe, and parents must intervene promptly should their children display tell-tale signs of being under the influence of bad company.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
30 November 2018 @ 6:15 PM